Obituary for Agnes Hatlelid

Agnes Hatlelid

(May 27, 1916 – January 27, 2017)

On January 27, 2017, Agnes Helene Ronning Hatlelid left this earth for her well-earned heavenly reward, 7 years to the day after her eldest son made the same journey. She died peacefully and calmly, surrounded by family, friends, thoughts and prayers felt from across the country, and the beloved employees at Via Christi Village in Ponca City, OK, who lined the hall in silent, beautiful tribute as she made her last journey away from the facility.

Agnes H. Ronning was born in Lignite, ND on May 27, 1916, the daughter of Carl Martin Ronning and Alma Natalia Johanneson Ronning. She graduated from Lignite High School in 1932. Her future husband, Elbert Hatlelid, was class valedictorian and Agnes was salutatorian. Agnes was 16 years old when she graduated high school.

She attended Minot State Teachers’ College for a year and then went back to Lignite and was a teacher, at the age of 17, in the 2-room school house where she had attended school. She taught for a year and earned enough money to go back to college, doing this multiple cycles until eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1942.

Agnes and Bert got engaged and she rode the train from North Dakota to St. Louis, MO by herself, where they were married June 6, 1942. They lived in St. Louis, MO, Pawhuska, OK, and landed in Ponca City, OK in 1949, where she remained the rest of her life. They celebrated 55 years of love, companionship, and partnership before Bert preceded her in death.

Agnes stayed busy as a homemaker, raising five children — Carl, Anna Marie, John, Joe, and Helen. She took pride in caring for her family, particularly in preparing great meals for the family, sewing clothes that her children wore, fostering a love for music, emphasizing the importance of education and attaining a college degree.

Agnes directed a children’s choir at First Presbyterian Church and she served as Secretary and on the Board of Directors of the Community Concert Association for many years. To support Bert, Agnes joined Ponca City Kiwanis Club, whose members celebrated birthdays with her for many years.

One of Agnes’ many strengths was her ability to adapt to change. In 1972, Agnes and Bert ventured into new territory when they purchased the House of Hobbies retail business on Grand Avenue in Ponca City. For 14 years, they had a perfect business partnership and Agnes ran the front of the store, managing the arts and crafts supplies and assisting customers with selection of perfect mattes and frames to enhance art work. They encouraged and supported many artists throughout the region and sponsored purchase awards at the annual Art Festival at the Ponca City Art Center.

Agnes and Bert moved into an independent living residence at Via Christi Village, formerly Westminster Village, in 1987 as one of the earliest supporters and residents. Agnes managed the Villagers Shop for multiple years, donating the profits back to the Village by purchasing items of need. She also served on the Westminster Board of Directors for 6 years, advocating for and representing the residents. As she and Bert planned, she ended her days there, having lived in each unit and level of care offered.

She attained her goal of celebrating her 100th birthday in 2016 with her family and friends and was known for saying “I’m not getting old, I’m just getting older!”

Her proudest legacy is her family. She is survived by daughter-in-law, Kathie Hatlelid (Colorado Springs, CO); daughter Anna Marie Haydock and husband Frank (Cypress, TX); son John E. Hatlelid and wife Carol (Navarre, FL); son Joseph M. Hatlelid and wife Karen (O’Fallon, IL); daughter Helen Hatlelid-Hester and husband David Hester (Billings, MT); granddaughters Lara Jones and husband Brian (Spring, TX); Lisa Miller and husband John (Lexington, SC); Rene Hatlelid (Granby, CT); Erika Giannella and husband Bruno (Palm Harbor, FL); Maria Jones and husband Jake (Little Rock, AR); and grandsons Brian Hatlelid (Scottsdale, AZ); John A. Hatlelid (Boulder, CO); Jonathan Hester and wife Joi (Little Rock, AR).

Agnes is preceded in death by her husband, Bert, and son, Carl; her parents; 2 brothers, a sister; and a niece.

There will be a public visitation on Monday, January 30, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand Ave. Ponca City, OK.

The celebration of her life will be Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 10:00am at First Presbyterian Church, 1505 E. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, their spouses, and significant others. A reception will be held immediately afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers and in recognition of the support, love, and care provided by 4 important organizations during her life, the Hatlelid family offers that donations may be made in honor of Agnes to the organization of your choice: Via Christi Village (Ponca City), 1601 Academy Road, Ponca City, OK 74604; First Presbyterian Church (“Hatlelid Memorial” on memo line), 1505 E Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74604; Ponca City Kiwanis Club, 2201 Donner Ave, Ponca City, OK 74604; Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, Inc., 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home